Become a Behavioral Health Aide
Your Village Needs You

Under a new program, 50 village-based health aides are being recruited and trained to address local mental health and substance abuse problems.

Behavioral Health Aides address local mental health and substance abuse issues to promote healthy individuals, families and communities in rural and remote Alaska Native Villages.

Behavioral Health Aides Training Opportunities

• Learn how to develop a helping relationship with people who are seeking treatment
• Receive instruction in how to understand, evaluate and provide treatment for someone facing and addiction, substance abuse or mental health issues.
• Provide group, family and individual counseling
• Become knowledgeable about local and statewide resources that are available, and connect those facing behavioral health issues with the assistance they need to achieve success.

Behavioral Health Aide a Rewarding Career

• Begin a career path to addiction treatment, mental health, psychology, social work or other related health services.
• Receive steady, paid year-round work, with scheduled vacation time.
• Enjoy the flexibility of full-time and part-time work
• Work in the village where you live
• Become an asset to your village
• Take pride in performing a rewarding job, where you make a real difference in the health and stability of an individual, family or community

What is a Behavioral Health Aide?

Behavioral Health Aides (BHA) help Alaska Natives to address their behavioral health needs, from alcohol, drug, and tobacco abuse and addiction to inhalant abuse.  BHA's also help with mental health disorders such as grief, depression, suicide and homicide.

BHA's may:

• Help individuals face serious health problems related to lifestyle choices such as cancer, heart disease, influenza, and pneumonia
• Assist families dealing with disruptions related to abuse, neglect and violence
• Help communities cope with injury or death related to accidental and intentional injury

BHA's seek to achieve balance in the community by bringing solutions and sensitivity to the emotional, physical, individuals, and families.

For more information about the Behavioral Health Aide Program, contact your Tribally managed health organization representative.

The Behavioral Health Aide Program is funded in part by the Alaska Rural Community Health Economic Strategic's partners and funders:

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

University of Alaska

Alaska Native Health Board

Rasmuson Foundation

Paul G. Allen Charitable Foundation

Ford Foundation

Denali Commission

National Rural Funder Collaborative